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Do I need planning permission?

Information about our pre-application enquiry service.

Pre-application enquiry service

Northumberland National Park Authority offers a confidential pre-application enquiry service through which we can provide written advice about whether your proposals require planning permission or Listed Building Consent and/or whether the proposal could be supported at the formal application stage.

Next steps

Your completed application form should then be returned to us using the email or postal address included at the bottom on the application form along with the relevant fee and supporting information. Whilst formal plans are not necessary at pre-application stage it is advisable to include as much information as possible, such as photographs and sketches, in order to illustrate your proposals. A location plan should however be submitted alongside all enquiries.

Information on fees

Pre-application enquiry fees are set out within our Charging Scheme and are payable at the time of enquiry by cash, cheque to ‘Northumberland National Park Authority’ or BACS transfer (details of these are set out on the Charging Scheme). Some fee exemptions apply (see Charging Scheme for details).

Please note that once the pre-application enquiry and fee have been received and registered it will not be possible to provide a refund in the event that you do not wish to progress with the enquiry.

Following receipt of your documentation and fee your enquiry will be registered and assigned to a Planning Officer. You will then receive an acknowledgement letter to confirm receipt and provide the name and contact details of this officer.

We aim to respond to provide a detailed written response to enquiries within 28 days. If a site visit or more information is required the case officer will contact you to discuss this. If this timescale is likely to be exceeded due to the nature of the enquiry or the need to consult with other specialists, we will contact you as soon as possible.

Getting advice

The advice we provide is objective and informal. It represents officer professional opinion only and will not bind the Authority in the event of a formal planning application.

General advice on whether planning permission is required is available online via the Planning Portal. As properties within the National Park are however subject to certain restrictions the submission of a pre-application enquiry is advisable.